Owning a private jet is undeniably one of the most opulent expenses for one to incur, and comes along with it an unbelievably large number of logistical hurdles that must be overcome in order for one to take to the skies. While price is undeniably one of the largest barriers to taking to the skies if one is willing to cut a check for a private jet, then they are more than likely to cut another for maintenance, fueling, and the topic of the article, staff.
Pilots for private jets are undeniably in short supply. With a global shortage of pilots, finding one able to fly a private jet can prove extremely difficult. Most jets, which require two full-time pilots, will prove even more challenging to find, especially in a world of pilot shortages and hiring expansions at the major airlines.
However, some jets are able to defy this traditional expectation. In fact, there are quite a few private jets that can be effectively and safely flown with just a single pilot behind the controls.
While most of these jets are short-range or light-pilot jets, they are still very capable of handling the majority of the demand for executive travel. In this article, we will take a deeper look at five private aircraft that can be flown by a single pilot.
Cessna Citation M2 (CJ1)
Maximum capacity: 7
A member of the extremely popular Cessna Citation family, the Cessna Citation M2 series is a production line of light business jet produced by Cessna. The Citation family is among the most successful in all of General Aviation, and over 8,000 have been sold to customers since the jet’s introduction.
The M2 series has been in service since 1991, with over 2000 built by the manufacturer. The jet has been developed into multiple variants, including the CJ1, the CJ2, the CJ3, and finally, the CJ4, which has been in production since 2010.
This jet, which has the capacity for up to seven passengers, is a monoplane that features a cantilever wing and retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft’s cabin is pressurized and ensures the highest level of passenger comfort.
Cirrus Vision SF50
Maximum capacity: 7
This very light private jet manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft of Duluth, Minnesota, has been in the skies since 2016. Since production commenced, over 400 of this very light jet have been delivered to customers.
The bizarre-looking aircraft can only fly a relatively short range and is well identified by the singular jet engine mounted on the rear roof of the fuselage. The manufacturer is proud of the jet’s dynamic nature, and the jet remains in production today.
Eclipse 550
Maximum capacity: 7
The Eclipse 550 is another very light private jet with slightly better performance and range than the previously discussed Cirrus Vision SF50. The aircraft features two engines and can cover most regional and short-haul distances, and features wingtip tanks to improve range.
Nonetheless, only 33 of the model were ever built and delivered before One Aviation, the manufacturer that built the jet, entered a liquidation process in 2021. Nonetheless, an earlier version of the jet, the Eclipse 500, sold over 200 units, and a later version of the aircraft, the Eclipse 700, was proposed but ultimately never entered service.
Embraer Phenom 300
Maximum capacity: 10
The Embraer Phenom 300, a lengthened version of the jet maker’s popular Phenom 100 aircraft, has been flying since 2008 and stands today as the most popular private jet in the United States. The jet, which has proven one of the manufacturer’s most popular light business jets, has sold over 600 units since the model first hit the market over a decade and a half ago.
The aircraft has one of the longest ranges among light private jets that can be flown by just a single pilot. With a passenger belted into the lavatory and just one pilot in the cockpit, the Phenom 300 can operate at a maximum passenger capacity of 10, and traverse incredible distances for a jet its size.
Beechcraft Premier 1
Maximum capacity: 8
The Premier 1 is one of the most successful light business jets manufactured by the Beechcraft division of manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft, a former company that has since been acquired by industry titan RTX (formerly known as Raytheon). The small jet has been in the skies since 1998, when it was introduced to compete with Cessna’s Citation series.
During its 11-year production run from 2001 until 2012, the aircraft sold 292 units. Today, the jet remains a favorite among private jet operators for its operational versatility, maneuverability, and short-range efficiency.
Source: simpleflying.com